Sealink-Holyhead: Carlisle Pier Terminal Demolition

Carlisle Pier - Terminal Demolition 2009

In September 2009 work began on the demolition of the buildings on the Carlisle Pier, the majority of which were clad with asbestos sidings. The structures being demolished were “unsightly and dangerous” and their removal was essential - the last ferry having sailed from there on 3rd May 1997.

While none of the buildings demolished were listed as protected structures, the cast iron Victorian era poles supporting the roof of the former train shed were retained for safe keeping.

The pier has been the subject of several redevelopment schemes over a number of years, all of which have fallen through. The most recent redevelopment scheme collapsed in May 2008 when the preferred bidders pulled out of the project.

The Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company is awaiting the county council’s new development plan before making any new redevelopment proposals for the pier. In the meantime a planning application to open up the Pier as a public and cultural amenity was submitted to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on 2nd September. The planning application states the Harbour Company’s intent to provide a public promenade and look out point, together with handrails, seating and lighting. It also includes the erection of an open sided pavilion incorporating elements of the former train shed.

The application also seeks usage of the Marine Road frontage for events of a cultural, educational, social, recreational or sporting character (including a food and craft market) and the provision of tents, vans or temporary or moveable structures or objects on the lands in connection with storage use. Within this there is provision of 50 bicycle parking spaces, up to 100 car parking spaces and for storage of approximately 50 boats.

The Harbour Company is to be congratulated for its ongoing efforts to provide further access to the harbour area by the public, and to further the marine, leisure and tourism potential for Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

In addition to restoring the Victorian Fountain on Queens Road, the company has recently completed the careful resurfacing of the East Pier which has been warmly welcomed by the thousands of walkers who use it. At the end of August 2009, the company opened the East Pier Battery to the public for the first time and has long-term plans to restore this historic site in a sensitive and appropriate manner.